Charlotte Varcoe
HEADSPACE Mount Gambier has once again put the call out for residents to take part in the annual Push-Up Challenge.
The annual challenge encourages individuals, groups, schools, workplaces and sporting clubs to complete 3318 push-ups – amounting to the number of lives lost to suicide in 2019 – between June 1 and 25.
Among those taking up the challenge, which raises critical funds for mental health support services, is Active8 Gym group member Sam Benton who looks forward to sharing the workload with teammates.
While she knew of the challenge for years, Ms Benton said this year was the first time she would take on the challenge.
“I had just come off a six week gym challenge at Active8 and my personal trainer had created a group for us to do it,” Ms Benton said.
“We decided all the money we would raise will go towards our local Headspace because we know the effort they put into hosting much needed events here in Mount Gambier.”
Ms Benton said the challenge was a good opportunity to continue her fitness while also raising awareness and money for Headspace and mental health.
“I am also the secretary of the Mount Gambier and District Suicide Prevention Network so mental health is something close to my heart,” she said.
“We work really hard to try and break the stigma around suicide and mental health in general which is a very important cause.
“Promoting mental health is so important because everyone goes through something in life and to varying degrees and it is important to normalise these conversations around mental health and suicide.”
Headspace Mount Gambier community liaison worker Nick McInerney said excitement was building for this year’s push-up challenge.
“After the success of last year’s challenge, we were rapt by the support from our community,” Mr McInerney said.
We are hoping the community can continue to get behind this challenge again to learn some mental health facts, get active and raise some funds to promote the well-being of young people in the community.”
Visit www.thepushupchallenge.com.au to become involved.
